Twelve months ago, just before her 21st birthday, Rochelle was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma on her brain stem. A biopsy removed part of the tumour but led to paralysis on the left side of her face.

Then in April there was further bad news with the discovery of another tumour on her frontal lobe, and Rochelle underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

She spoke to the Illawarra Mercury at the end of June about her hopes that a clinical trial at Royal Melbourne Hospital would save her.

‘‘There’s no cure,’’ she said at the time. ‘‘I’m only hoping  I get accepted into one of these trials so I feel like I’m doing something. I hate sitting here doing nothing.’’

Her uncle Brian Bugden said after her death on Tuesday that, in the end, all attempts for treatment were exhausted, although her family had never given up on her.

‘‘Her parents searched far and wide for alternative options and some hope,’’ he said.

‘‘In the end, Rochelle herself made the brave decision to cease any further attempts of treatment and not prolong the inevitable.’’

Mr Bugden said Rochelle showed ‘‘amazing strength’’ and always worried more about those around her than herself.

‘‘She had amazing parents, Kim and Rob, by her side as well as her sister, Kara, and brother-in-law, Daniel,’’ he said.

‘‘Her fiance, Aaron, was always there for her and proposed only a few months ago. They experienced a love for each other that not many of us do and I am so happy for that.’’

Mr Bugden said her family cared for Rochelle at home for the past few months under palliative management.

‘‘Throughout, Rochelle showed unbelievable strength far beyond her years and has touched thousands with her story and her courage,’’ he said.

‘‘Support of everyone in so many different ways has been a thing I know helped her and her family along the way and they are thankful for all that support.

‘‘I know Rochelle was passionate about raising awareness for brain cancer so if her passing can highlight this, it would make her happy.’’

Rochelle will be farewelled at a funeral on Monday at Hansen and Cole, Kembla Grange.